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Local govt group pleads for RDA funding clarity

The Local Government Association of South Australia is concerned new funding for Regional Development Australia (RDA) will be tied to projects rather than given to the body for use as required.

The association's president, David O'Loughlin, says part of the deal to secure independent MP Geoff Brock's support for the Labor Government included $3 million of funding for the seven RDAs across the state.

However, Mr O'Loughlin says there are now concerns that funding will only be released as projects are started, which leaves RDA staff uncertain about their futures.

"We're really concerned, as a partner in the RDAs - local government is a key funding partner - the State Government is making their funding project-related," he said.

"We want it to be core funding as well so that there's a key team that's ready to get on with any project and any performance criteria that's required. We want to be part of that equation."

Mr O'Loughlin says Mr Brock needs to explain what the plans are.

"I'm assured by the Minister he'll be meeting with the chairs and the CEOs of those RDAs next week," he said.

"I assume he's not releasing information now because it's bad news.

"We want the Minister to come out and be clean, to honour the promise that was made, the deal that he's done and make sure that the RDAs are well funded, that the core funding is in place so they can get on with their projects."